Monday - 29 Rajab 1428 / 13 August 2007 Astrology and Islam Many ahadith of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam forbid astrology and fortune-telling. In one such hadith, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said : "He who goes to a fortune-teller to ask him about something, his Salaah will not be accepted for forty days." (Muslim)
Imam Ghazali Rahimahullah in Ihya Uloom al-Din has given a beautiful explanation of why astrology is haraam : "Astrology is harmful to most people because if man is told that events occur due to the stars, he will begin to have faith in the stars as the cause of events. He will begin to regard the stars as deities which direct the events of the world. Since stars are the magnificent jewels of the heavens and their greatness creates awe in the heart of man, the heart, will thus be inclined to them. Man will begin to see good and evil, whether forbidden or encouraged, from the stars. In this way the remembrance of Allah Ta'ala will be erased from the heart. The sight of a feeble-minded person is, after all, confined to the means whereas a learned man who is well grounded in knowledge is well aware that the sun, moon and stars are subjected to the command of Allah Ta'ala. The example of the feeble-minded person who thinks that sunlight is due to the rising sun is like the ant that finds itself on a piece of paper. If the ant was given intelligence it would see the black writing being written and will think that it is the work of the pen. It will not raise its gaze to the fingers and beyond the fingers to the hand that writes, and beyond the hand to the will that moves the hand, and beyond the will to the able scribe that wills to move the hand, and beyond the scribe to the Creator of the hand, ability and will. The outlook of most people is limited to the nearby lowly causes and does not go to the Cause of all causes [Allah]. This is one of the reasons why astrology is forbidden." Astrology is very common in western societies. Almost every newspaper and magazine in the West devotes space to fortune telling under the section of horoscopes and astrology. What a paradox! This is the same modern man who boasts of his evolution away from superstition towards rationalistic enlightenment but gives prominence to a system that cannot even be proven scientifically. This importance attached to astrology is just another one of the many symptoms that allows a Muslim to diagnose the disease that has afflicted the western mind. ============================================================================================================== 1 Rajab 1428 / 16 July 2007 The Braveery of a Muslim Mother In the battle of Qadisiyah, Khansa, the famous poetess of Arabia accompanied her four sons into battle. She encouraged them to fight, with eloquent words resonating with bravery: "O my sons, you accepted Islam willingly. You left your homes voluntarily. By the promise of Allah, you are all the sons of one father just like you are the sons of one mother. I have not been unfaithful to your father, nor have I brought disgrace to your paternal uncle. I have not spoilt and dishonoured your lineage. You are well aware of the abundant rewards, which Allah has prepared for those Muslims who fight the transgressors. Know this also that the everlasting abode is superior to the temporary abode. Allah says : "Oh you who believe, Be patient. Outdo all others in perseverance. Guard your territory. Fear Allah so that you may be successful." When you rise tomorrow safe and sound, by the will of Allah, then proceed to fight your enemy in a rational state of mind. Seek help in the assistance of Allah over His enemies. When you see the battle has become severe and the fire begins to rage then plunge into the furnace and fight. You will return victorious with booty and honour in the everlasting abode." The four sons proceeded to the battlefield and fought valiantly until all were martyred. When she received the news she replied : "Praise be to Allah who has honoured me with their martyrdom. I have hope in Allah that He will unite me with them in His everlasting mercy." (Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat al-As'hab, vol. 4, p.1828) Lesson Islamic history is filled with anecdotes of brave Muslim women. Many directly fought the enemy while others encouraged their husbands and sons to fight. In so many cases the student of history will see that great Muslim Imams, warriors, scholars, rulers, sufis, etc were produced through the nurturing, courage and steadfastness of pious mothers. May Allah Azza Wajal reward them all with the highest of places in Jannah. Aameen! And, May Allah make their shining examples a source of inspiration for mothers of every age. ============================================================================================================== 23 Jumaadul Ukhra 1428 / 9 July 2007 How to have pious children? Mubarak, the father of Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, used to maintain the orchards of his master. On one occasion his master instructed that a sweet pomegranate be brought to him. Upon tasting it he found it to be bitter. He then instructed Mubarak for a second time and third time but each time they turned out to be bitter. This infuriated the master who scolded Mubarak saying : "You have been working so long for me but as yet, you cannot even pick one sweet pomegranate?" Mubarak replied : "I have never eaten a single fruit from this orchard since you have not given me permission." (Wafaayaatul Aayaan) When his master, on another occasion again witnessed the piety and goodness of his servant, asked Mubarak to marry his daughter. Mubarak agreed and the union was blessed with a son known as Abdullah Ibn Mubarak Rahimahullah. Abdullah Ibn Mubarak became a renowned scholar and saint of his time. Lessons 1. Pious children are born to pious parents. 2. An employee should never utilise for his own benefit any resource of his employer without permission. In modern times this would include the use of the telephone, internet and other office equipment, for example. ==============================================================================================================
